Letters to the editor: Statement of conscience
Statement of conscience
The Board and minister of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington are signatories to the following statement of conscience:
At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate or despoil.
We declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
Rev. Roberta Finkelstein and MarilynHyte
First Unitarian Church of Wilmington
'Bad Blood' in Newark, too
Your article "Bad Blood" hit close to home. Living next to the neighbors from hell I commiserate with Mr. Larnick.
Although my neighbor has two vehicles without a name plate on the trucks or trailers, one "dump trailer" is obviously commercial. They may be legal, but these vehicles block my view when exiting my driveway and are a detriment to my property value. In the article, I find former County Executive Gordon's assessment accurate and it extends further.
In the Scottfield neighborhood, the streets are peppered with both marked and unmarked commercial vehicles, with the marked vehicles in violation of New Castle County code. This Sunday there were [15 marked trucks]. In addition, there were a dozen of commercial vehicles with no business name, but obviously commercial in design and use. There are regulations and the "intent" of the regulations. Mr. Larnick has not benefited from the latter. Neither have we.
Alan Rosenberg
Newark
Harsh treatment not the answer
There is an old adage I often employ jokingly: “The beatings will continue until morale improves.” It’s a great example of irony, but as a philosophy for prison management, it is neither humorous nor effective.
The death of Vaughn Corrections Officer Lt. Steven Floyd Sr. as a consequence of the recent riot at the prison is a terrible tragedy. To my mind, the best way to honor his life and his service is to stop the inhumane treatment of inmates at Vaughn and other facilities around the state.
I was disheartened to read Xerxes Wilson’s article ("Relatives of Vaughn Inmates Want Reform,” March 21). The violent treatment of inmates seems to have escalated rather than subsided. The details provided by families of multiple inmates confirm this.
I understand that the officers and staff at Vaughn are under tremendous pressure. The staff is shorthanded and the environment is difficult and dangerous. However, I don’t see how further punishment, harsh treatment, delayed or denied medical care, and violent and invasive searches of the inmates under our care do anything to address the problems. It sounds more like revenge. My wish is for the staff and the inmates to find a way to make a horrible situation somehow safer.
R.E. Vanella
Wilmington
The value of cursive
I was happy to see that there is an on-going effort for schools to return to teaching cursive writing. Your signature (in cursive) is something that is unique and different for every individual.
During my lifetime, my cursive signature has been required on many things, so I don't understand how some people quoted in the article can say they don't use cursive often (or at all).
In addition to being required on legal documents, isn't it so nice to receive a letter, card, or thank-you note written in cursive (instead of an e-mail or text)?
Writing in cursive is much more efficient than printing since you have to lift your pen/pencil after each printed letter in a word, but can continuously write an entire word in cursive without lifting your pen.
We continue to dumb down America by creating shortcuts for everyone, but learning cursive is something we should cherish.
Linda Steele
Wilmington
Leave Big Bird, principals alone
I am a daily reader of The News Journal and a retired high school teacher, principal and Navy Master Chief. You served up a double whammy in Monday's edition. It began with legislators who have worked hard to place us in a budget deficit nightmare finding time to require teaching cursive. This was followed by a cartoon in the opinion section with Big Bird being starved while we feed our robust military.
We have been sending our daughters and sons who have families qualifying for food stamps off to defend our country with bare-bones support for a long time.
I have children and a fan of "Sesame Street." It is a wonderful show and I believe it is strong enough to survive in the free marketplace. I feel for my colleagues in education and for our service members.
My recommendation is for CBS to pick up "Sesame Street," for our government to ensure men and women in uniform defend us with the best material support, and to let our school principals command and lead.
Charles Baldwin
Wilmington